- Play Hard
- 1st Apr 2026
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Longer days, lighter nights: 12 plans to suggest in the group chat
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When the lighter nights hit, the North East really comes into its own.
Plans start forming, weekends fill quickly, and suddenly there’s so much you want to do.
From rooftop cinema to new exhibitions, these are the experiences worth building your spring and summer around.
Experience a Taste of Newcastle food tour
From freshly caught oysters from the Lindisfarne Islands to the hustle and bustle of stalls in the Grainger Market, sample the best in local cuisine with Triple A Food Tours. Meet at Monument at 1pm, and embark on a culinary journey where you’ll sample dishes and drinks from five of the best independent eateries. Perfect for locals looking for an alternative day out or travellers who want to experience the city in a unique way. Want to venture further afield? Check out their other food tours in Ouseburn, Heaton, Sunderland, Durham and Northumberland.
See the latest exhibition at Laing Art Gallery
For a slower, more thoughtful afternoon, the Laing Art Gallery is always a good idea, but its latest portrait exhibition adds something extra this season. Exploring identity, storytelling and contemporary perspectives, it’s the kind of exhibition that invites you to linger. Expect bold works, intimate moments and plenty to take in at your own pace. Pair it with a coffee nearby or a wander through the city centre afterwards for a perfectly balanced cultural afternoon.
Turn a night out into an experience at Flight Club Newcastle
Not your average bar, Flight Club has completely redefined nights out in Newcastle. Combining fast-paced social darts with cocktails, music and a lively atmosphere, it’s ideal for groups looking for something a little more interactive. Whether you’re competitive or just there for the drinks, the energy is infectious and the games keep things moving. It’s easy to lose track of time here, what starts as “just one” quickly turns into a full evening.
Explore the city differently with Treasure Hunt Newcastle
If you’re looking for something a bit different, this interactive experience turns Newcastle into your playground. Treasure Hunt Newcastle takes you on a self-guided route through the city, solving clues and uncovering hidden details as you go. It’s a great way to see familiar streets from a new perspective, whether you’re visiting or local. Perfect for groups, dates or even solo exploring, it adds a playful twist to a day out.
Discover the stories behind the streets with Newcastle City Guides
Even if you think you know Newcastle, there’s always more beneath the surface. The Newcastle City Guides offer expert-led walking tours that bring the city’s history, architecture and hidden stories to life. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known corners, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the place – and probably a few facts to impress your friends with later. It’s a simple but surprisingly enriching way to spend a morning.
Get out on the water with CBK Adventures
As the weather warms up, there’s no better excuse to try something active. CBK Adventures offers a range of outdoor experiences, from paddleboarding along the coast to kayaking on the River Tyne. It’s a refreshing way to explore the region and a chance to do something a little outside your usual routine. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build confidence, it’s all about getting outdoors and making the most of the season.
Dress up for a day at Newcastle Racecourse
Few things capture the energy of spring and summer quite like a day at the races. At Newcastle Racecourse, it’s as much about the atmosphere as it is the racing – think live sport, socialising and a chance to dress up for the occasion. Whether you’re there for a big event like the iconic Ladies Day, or a more relaxed meet, it’s a classic day out that always delivers. Add food, drinks and a lively crowd, and you’ve got a full plan sorted.
Step back in time at Beamish Museum
Beamish isn’t just a museum, it’s an experience. This open-air site brings history to life through recreated streets, vintage transport and costumed staff who make it all feel real. You can easily spend a full day here, moving between different time periods and discovering something new at every turn. It’s immersive, nostalgic and genuinely engaging, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another look.
Discover Ad Gefrin
Blending heritage and modern design, Ad Gefrin is one of the Northumberland’s most exciting newer destinations. The Anglo-Saxon museum explores the story of Northumbria, while the adjoining whisky distillery adds a contemporary twist. It’s the kind of place you go for an hour and end up staying much longer – part cultural experience, part day out. Set against the backdrop of Northumberland, it’s well worth the journey. Plus, it has a gorgeous brasserie for coffee and cake or a delicious lunch.
Switch off in style at Matfen Hall
If you’re craving something slower, Matfen Hall offers the perfect escape. Set within a grand country house, it combines luxury with a sense of calm — think spa days, long lunches and time to properly switch off. Whether you’re booking a stay or visiting for the day, it’s all about relaxation and indulgence. Ideal for balancing out busier city plans with something a little more restorative.
Wander history and gardens at Raby Castle
For a day that feels both relaxed and enriching, Raby Castle is a standout. Explore the historic interiors, wander through expansive parkland and take in beautifully maintained gardens that come into their own in spring and summer. Walk amongst the deer in the expansive deer park, before wandering some of the independent shops on site and enjoying a homemade scone.
Book ahead for Kynren
If you’re planning ahead for summer, Kynren is one of the region’s biggest highlights. This large-scale outdoor performance brings history to life through dramatic staging, live action and an incredible sense of scale. It’s immersive, emotional and unlike anything else in the North East. Tickets sell quickly, so it’s one to plan in advance. From 18th July to 12th September.
Make a weekend of it
For a bold, design-led stay in the heart of the city, Hotel Gotham Newcastle brings drama and personality in equal measure.
On the Quayside, Dakota Newcastle offers a more polished, luxe feel with river views and everything within easy walking distance.
Or, for something slower, Bailiffgate Hotel in Alnwick is a beautiful base for exploring the Northumberland coast and countryside.
Want more inspiration? Check out NewcastleGateshead Initiative for everything you need to know to make the most of the North East.
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